Relay station apparatus, mobile communication system, base station apparatus, and method for controlling relay station

ABSTRACT

A mobile communication system includes at least one upper radio station ( 1 ) and a relay station ( 2 ). The relay station ( 2 ) performs a radio relay between a lower radio station ( 3 ) and the upper radio station ( 1 ). The relay station ( 2 ) is configured to attach, when an attaching to a first upper radio station included in attaching configuration information indicating an upper radio station to which the relay station ( 2 ) should attach is unsuccessful, to a second upper radio station different from the first upper radio station, and to notify a network ( 4  and  5 ) of notification information via the second upper radio station, the notification information indicating that the attaching to the first upper radio station is unsuccessful.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/886,894 filed Oct. 19, 2015, which is a divisional application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/813,855 filed Feb. 1, 2013, which is a National Stage of International Application No. PCT/JP2011/002708 filed May 16, 2011, which claims priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2010-174455 filed Aug. 3, 2010, the contents of all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a system including a base station and a relay station attaching to the base station.

BACKGROUND ART

In LTE-Advanced (Long Term Evolution Advanced) of 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project), the introduction of relay stations (hereinafter “RNs (Relay Nodes)”) is under review (see Non Patent Literature 1). The RN is one of techniques for increasing the communication speed of mobile stations (hereinafter “UEs (User Equipments)”) located at cell edges and for increasing cell areas of 25 base stations (hereinafter “eNBs (Evolved Node Bs)”), for example. The details of the RN architecture, which is under review in 3GPP, are disclosed in Non Patent Literature 2.

The outline of an RN system based on the RN architecture disclosed in Non Patent Literature 2 will be described below. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a network configuration example when the RN of 3GPP is used. A base station (eNB) 1 belongs to a core network (hereinafter “CN”) 4 of a mobile communication network operator. The CN4 includes a mobility management entity (hereinafter “MME”) and a serving gateway (hereinafter “S-GW”). The eNB 1 generates an eNB cell 10 and relays traffic between a mobile station (UE) 3 and the CN4. A relay station (RN) 2 attaches to the eNB 1 by means of a backhaul link (BL1 in the figure). The UE 3 attaches to the eNB 1 or the RN 2 by means of an access link (AL1 or AL2 in the figure). The RN 2 attaches to the CN 4 through the backhaul link (BL1) with the eNB 1. The RN 2 generates an RN cell 20 and relays traffic between the UE 3 and the CN 4. An OAM server 5 manages the installation position of the eNB 1, and the cell information (use frequency, Physical Cell ID (PCI), and the like) of the eNB cell 10. The backhaul link and the access link will be explained later.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a sequence when an RN attaches to an eNB and a CN and starts an RN cell operation. The RN establishes a network connection in an operation (hereinafter “UE mode”) similar to that of an existing UE upon initial start-up (step S1). Specifically, the RN configures a Radio Resource Control (hereinafter “RRC”) connection with the eNB. When the process for the RN to attach to the eNB and the CN in the UE mode is completed, the RN transitions to an operation mode as a network node (hereinafter “RN mode”), and operates the RN cell. When the RN transitions to the RN mode, a method of controlling the backhaul link is also switched from the UE mode to the RN mode (step S2).

In a network introducing the RN, the eNB that supports the RN mode is referred to as “Donor eNB (hereinafter “DeNB”)”. Herein, only in the case of describing matters unique to the DeNB related to the connection with the RN, the term “DeNB” is used to be distinguished from a normal eNB. Further, herein, the UE (for example, UE 3-1 in FIG. 1) that attaches to the DeNB is referred to as “eNB-UE”. On the other hand, the UE (for example, UE 3-2 in FIG. 1) that directly attaches to the RN is referred to as “RN-UE”. Furthermore, in the case of describing matters common to the eNB-UE and the RN-UE, the term “UE” is simply used.

In a discussion about the RN in the 3GPP, there is a demand for supporting a multihop RN in the future. The multihop RN is a technique that makes it possible to connect an additional RN to an RN that attaches to a DeNB in a cascade configuration. Herein, in the case of describing the multihop, an RN that attaches to a lower layer of a DeNB with a radio interface is referred to as “upper RN”, and an RN that attaches to a lower layer of the upper RN is referred to as “lower RN” so as to distinguish the RNs from each other. Additionally, herein, radio interfaces between a DeNB and an RN and between an upper RN and a lower RN are called “backhaul links”. Meanwhile, radio interfaces between an eNB and an eNB-UE and between an RN and an RN-UE are called “access links”.

Furthermore, in the discussion about the RN in the 3GPP, it is assumed that the RN holds, as attaching configuration information, cell information of a DeNB cell to which the RN can attach (see Non Patent Literature 3). The attaching configuration information includes information for designating a donor base station, a cell, or a sector to which the RN should attach. Specifically, the attaching configuration information includes a frequency of a DeNB cell and a Physical Cell ID (PCI), for example. The RN specifies the DeNB to which the RN should attach, based on the attaching configuration information.

CITATION LIST Non Patent Literature

-   [Non Patent Literature 1] 3GPP TR36.912 V9.2.0 (2010-03),     “Feasibility study for Further Advancements for E-UTRA     (LTE-Advanced)” -   [Non Patent Literature 2] 3GPP TR36.806 V9.0.0 (2010-03), “Relay     architectures for E-UTRA (LTE-Advanced)” -   [Non Patent Literature 3] 3GPP R2-101951 Report of 3GPP TSG RAN WG2     meeting #69, March, 2010

SUMMARY OF INVENTION Technical Problem

The contents of the attaching configuration information to be held by the RN may be different for each RN depending on the installed location of the RN and the policy of a communication carrier. Accordingly, an operator has to set the attaching configuration information in consideration of the installed location of the RN and the policy of the communication carrier for each RN. These operations are actually difficult, and there is a problem of an increase in costs such as Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) and Operational Expenditure (OPEX).

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the invention is to provide a mobile communication system, a relay station apparatus, a base station apparatus, a method for controlling a relay station, and a program, which contribute to simplification of setting of attaching configuration information in a system where a relay station (RN) attaches to a donor base station (DeNB) based on attaching configuration information.

Solution to Problem

In a first aspect of the present invention, a relay station apparatus includes a lower radio link communication unit, an upper radio link communication unit, and a control unit. The lower radio link communication unit is configured to perform radio communication with at least one lower radio station. The upper radio link communication unit is configured to perform radio communication with at least one upper radio station. The control unit is configured to attach, when an attaching to a first upper radio station included in attaching configuration information indicating an upper radio station to which the relay station apparatus should attach is unsuccessful, to a second upper radio station different from the first upper radio station, and to notify a network of notification information indicating that the attaching to the first upper radio station is unsuccessful.

In a second aspect of the present invention, a mobile communication system includes at least one upper radio station, and a relay station that performs a radio relay between a lower radio station and an upper radio station. The relay station is configured to attach, when an attaching to a first upper radio station included in attaching configuration information indicating an upper radio station to which the relay station should attach is unsuccessful, to a second upper radio station different from the first upper radio station, and to notify a network of notification information via the second upper radio station, the notification information indicating that the attaching to the first upper radio station is unsuccessful.

In a third aspect of the present invention, a base station apparatus includes a radio communication unit and a control unit. The radio communication unit is configured to perform radio communication with a mobile station and a relay station. The control unit controls communication with the relay station. When the base station apparatus does not correspond to an upper station preliminarily determined as a destination to which the relay station attaches, the control unit controls the radio communication unit to connect to the relay station by using a first connection mode in which the relay station operates as a mobile station. Further, when the base station apparatus corresponds to the upper station, the control unit controls the radio communication unit to connect to the relay station by using a second connection mode in which the relay station operates as a relay station.

In a fourth aspect of the present invention, a method for controlling a relay station that is wirelessly connectable to an upper radio station includes the following steps of:

(a) attaching, when an attaching to a first upper radio station included in attaching configuration information indicating an upper radio station to which the relay station should attach is unsuccessful, to a second upper radio station different from the first upper radio station; and

(b) notifying a network of notification information via the second upper radio station, the notification information indicating that the attaching to the first upper radio station is unsuccessful.

In a fifth aspect of the present invention, a program causes a computer to execute the method according to the fourth aspect of the present invention described above.

In a sixth aspect of the present invention, a relay station apparatus includes a lower radio link communication unit, an upper radio link communication unit, and a control unit. The lower radio link communication unit is configured to perform radio communication with at least one lower radio station. The upper radio link communication unit is configured to perform radio communication with at least one upper radio station. The control unit is configured to determine whether attaching configuration information indicating an upper radio station to which the relay station apparatus should attach is held or not, and to attach to an upper radio station included in the attaching configuration information acquired from a network according to a result of the determination.

In a seventh aspect of the present invention, a mobile communication system includes at least one upper radio station, and a relay station that performs a radio relay between a lower radio station and an upper radio station. Here, the relay station is configured to determine whether attaching configuration information indicating an upper radio station to which the relay station should attach is held or not, and to attach to an upper radio station included in the attaching configuration information acquired from a network according to a result of the determination.

In an eighth aspect of the present invention, a method for controlling a relay station that is wirelessly connectable with an upper radio station includes the steps of:

(a) determining whether attaching configuration information indicating an upper radio station to which the relay station should attach is held or not; and

(b) attaching to an upper radio station included in the attaching configuration information acquired from a network according to a result of the determination.

In a ninth aspect of the present invention, a program causes a computer to execute the method according to the eighth aspect of the present invention described above.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a mobile communication system, a relay station apparatus, a base station apparatus, a method for controlling a relay station, and a program, which contribute to simplification of setting of attaching configuration information in a system in which a relay station (RN) attaches to a donor base station (DeNB) based on attaching configuration information.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a typical mobile communication system;

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a sequence when an RN attaches to a DeNB according to the background art;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a mobile communication system according to first to fifth embodiments;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a base station 1;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a relay station 2;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a mobile station 3;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an OAM server 5;

FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a procedure for notifying a state of attaching configuration information in the first embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of the relay station 2 in the first embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of the OAM server 5 in the first, second, and fifth embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 11A is a sequence diagram showing an example of a procedure for notifying a state (validity) of attaching configuration information in the second embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 11B is a sequence diagram showing an example of a procedure for notifying a state (validity) of attaching configuration information in the second embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 12 is a flowchart of the relay station 2 in the second embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a procedure for notifying a state (availability) of attaching configuration information in the third embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 14 is a flowchart of the relay station 2 in the third embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 15 is a flowchart of the OAM server 5 in the third and fourth embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 16A is a sequence diagram showing an example of a procedure for notifying a state of attaching configuration information in the fourth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 16B is a sequence diagram showing an example of a procedure for notifying a state of attaching configuration information in the fourth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 17 is a flowchart of the relay station 2 in the fourth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 18A is a sequence diagram showing an example of a procedure for notifying a state of attaching configuration information in the fifth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 18B is a sequence diagram showing an example of a procedure for notifying a state of attaching configuration information in the fifth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 19 is a flowchart of the relay station 2 in the fifth embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 20 is a flowchart of the base station 1 in the fifth embodiment of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and a repeated explanation is omitted as needed for clarity of the explanation.

First Embodiment

In a first embodiment, an RN temporarily attaches to an eNB and notifies an upper network apparatus, such as an OAM server, of a state of attaching configuration information. The notification of the state, for example, includes (i) information indicating a correspondence relation between a donor base station designated by the attaching configuration information and a currently attaching base station, (ii) information indicating whether valid attaching configuration information is held or not, or (iii) a request for new attaching configuration information.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a radio communication system including a base station 1, a relay station 2, a mobile station 3, and a core network 4 according to this embodiment. This embodiment will be described assuming that the radio communication system is an FDD (Frequency division Duplex)-OFDMA, more specifically, a radio communication system of LTE-Advanced based on LTE. The base station 1 belongs to the core network 4 of a mobile communication network operator, and relays traffic between the mobile station 3 and the core network 4. The base station 1 is able to accommodate the relay station 2, and also the mobile station 3.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the base station 1. Referring to FIG. 4, a radio communication unit 11 generates a downlink signal by performing processing, such as mapping onto resource elements, OFDM signal generation (IDFT: Inverse Discrete Fourier Transform), frequency conversion, and signal amplification, on a transmission symbol sequence of a physical channel supplied from a transmit data processing unit 12. The generated downlink signal is wirelessly transmitted from an antenna. The radio communication unit 11 receives an uplink signal transmitted from the mobile station 3 or the relay station 2, and restores a reception symbol sequence.

The transmit data processing unit 12 stores the data for the mobile station 3 or the relay station 2, which is acquired from a communication unit 14, in buffers set for each mobile station and for each bearer, and generates a transport channel by performing error correction coding, rate matching, interleaving, or the like. Further, the transmit data processing unit 12 adds control information to data sequence of the transport channel to generate a radio frame. Furthermore, the transmit data processing unit 12 generates a transmission symbol sequence for each physical channel by performing scrambling and modulation symbol mapping on the data sequence of the radio frame.

A received data processing unit 13 restores the received data for each logical channel from the reception symbol sequence supplied from the radio communication unit 11. User traffic data included in the obtained received data and a part of control data are transferred to the core network 4 via the communication unit 14.

A relay node control unit 15 controls the transmission timing and radio resource allocation related to the data to be transmitted to the mobile station 3 and the relay station 2. Further, the relay node control unit 15 receives information indicating whether to support an RN operation (corresponding to an RN mode), which is notified from the relay station 2, via the received data processing unit 13. The relay node control unit 15 performs configuration of a backhaul link according to whether the relay station 2 supports the RN operation.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the relay station 2. The relay station 2 has a function equivalent to the base station 1, unless explicitly specified otherwise. Referring to FIG. 5, a lower radio link communication unit 21 receives the uplink signal transmitted from the mobile station 3 via the antenna. A received data processing unit 23 has a function equivalent to the received data unit 13 of the base station 1, and the obtained received data is transmitted to the base station 1 via an upper radio link communication unit 24. A transmit data processing unit 22 has a function equivalent to the transmit data processing unit 12 of the base station 1, and generates a transmission symbol sequence from the transmit data which is acquired from the upper radio link communication unit 24 and transmitted to the mobile station 3. The lower radio link communication unit 21 generates a downlink signal from the symbol sequence and transmits the downlink signal to the mobile station 3.

An attaching configuration information control unit 25 controls the attaching configuration information related to the base station 1. The attaching configuration information control unit 25 receives the attaching configuration information from the base station 1 or the core network 4 via the upper radio link communication unit 24 and the transmit data processing unit 22. Specifically, the attaching configuration information control unit 25 notifies an OAM server 5 of the state of the attaching configuration information. For example, the attaching configuration information control unit 25 determines validity of the attaching configuration information based on whether information (a frequency of a DeNB cell, a Physical Cell ID (PCI), or the like) of the base station to which the relay station 2 actually attaches matches information on a donor base station, a cell, or a sector which is designated by predetermined attaching configuration information and to which the relay station should attach. The attaching configuration information control unit 25 notifies the OAM server 5 of the determination result. The notification of this case may include information indicating whether the attaching configuration information is correct or not. The notification of this case may include information capable of determining whether the base station to which the relay station actually attaches corresponds to the donor base station to which the relay station should attach.

For example, the attaching configuration information control unit 25 may notify the OAM server 5 that the relay station 2 does not hold the attaching configuration information. The notification of this case may include information capable of determining that the relay station 2 does not hold the attaching configuration information. The notification of this case may also include a request message of new attaching configuration information. For example, when the relay station 2 holds the attaching configuration information but the attaching configuration information is unavailable due to expiration or the like, the attaching configuration information control unit 25 may notify the OAM server 5 that the available attaching configuration information is not held. The notification of this case may include information capable of determining that the relay station 2 does not hold the available attaching configuration information.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the mobile station 3. A radio communication unit 31 receives a downlink signal via an antenna. A received data processing unit 32 sends received data restored from the received downlink signal to a buffer unit 35. The received data stored in the buffer unit 35 is read out and used depending on the purpose thereof. A transmit data control unit 33, a transmit data processing unit 34, and the radio communication unit 31 generate an uplink signal by using the transmit data stored in the buffer unit 35, and transmit the signal to the base station 1 or the relay station 2.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the OAM server 5. The OAM server 5 includes a communication unit 51 that performs communication with the core network 4, a transmit data processing unit 52, a received data control unit 53, and an attaching configuration information management unit 54. The received data processing unit 53 receives data transmitted from the relay station 2. When the received data includes a notification as to the state of the attaching configuration information of the relay station 2 or a request of attaching configuration information, the received data is transferred to the attaching configuration information management unit 54. The attaching configuration information management unit 54 judges whether or not to notify the relay station 2 of the attaching configuration information, and sends the attaching configuration information from the transmit data processing unit 52 to the relay station 2 based on the judgment result.

Subsequently, a specific example of a procedure for notifying the state of the attaching configuration information according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 to 10.

FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a procedure for notifying the state of the attaching configuration information according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8 shows interactions among the OAM server 5, the core network 4, the base station 1, and the relay station 2. In FIG. 8, “OAM” corresponds to the OAM server 5; “MME” corresponds to the core network 4; “DeNB” corresponds to the base station 1; and “RN” corresponds to the relay station 2.

In step S101, the RN searches for the eNB to which the RN attaches, and performs configuring an RRC connection to the detected eNB (step S102). After configuring the RRC connection, the RN performs network attaching procedure to the core network with the MME (step S103), and shifts to processing of bearer setup with the MME (step S104). In step S104, a bearer setup procedure is performed between the MME and the eNB. In step S105, a bearer setup procedure is performed between the eNB and the RN. After completion of the processing of steps S104 and S105, the RN can communicate with the OAM. The RN that can communicate with the OAM notifies the OAM of the state of the attaching configuration information (step S106).

FIG. 9 is a flowchart related to the operation when the RN attaches to the network and notifies the OAM of the state of the attaching configuration information in the first embodiment. The operation shown in FIG. 9 is started by searching for the eNB to which the RN can attach.

In step S201, when the eNB to which the RN can attach can be detected (Yes in step S201), the RN transmits an RRC connection configuration request to the detected eNB (step S202), and the process shifts to step S203. When the eNB to which the RN can attach cannot be detected (No in step S201), the RN terminates the operation without notifying the OAM of the state of the attaching configuration information. In step S203, is the RN judges whether the RN has completed the attaching to the network. When the RN has completed the attaching to the network (Yes in step S203), the RN notifies the OAM of the state of the attaching configuration information (step S204), and terminates the operation. When the attaching to the network is not completed (No in step S203), the RN returns to step S203 to judge again whether the attaching to the network has been completed or not.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart related to the operation in which the OAM receives a notification of the state of the attaching configuration information in the first embodiment. In step S301, the OAM judges whether to receive the notification of the state of the attaching configuration information. When the OAM has received the notification of the state of the attaching configuration information (Yes in step S301), the OAM terminates the reception operation. When the OAM has not received the notification of the state of the attaching configuration information (No in step S301), the OAM returns to step S301 again to judge whether the notification is received or not.

The operations of the base station 1 and the mobile station 3 are similar to typical operations, so the description thereof is omitted.

As described above, the relay station 2 according to this embodiment notifies the OAM server 5 of the state of the attaching configuration information after the attaching to the network via the base station 1. This allows a communication network operator to judge whether the contents of the attaching configuration information are appropriate or not, without the need to go to the installed location of the relay station 2, and to easily perform the setting of the attaching configuration information, such as a correction of a mismatch in the attaching configuration information or a change into correct contents. Moreover, the communication network operator can expect a reduction in installation operation cost due to simplification of the setting of the attaching configuration information.

Second Embodiment

In a second embodiment, when the relay station 2 cannot attach to the DeNB designated by the attaching configuration information, the relay station 2 attaches to another eNB and notifies the OAM of a validity of the attaching configuration information. A valid state of the attaching configuration information corresponds to the case where the relay station 2 can normally attach to the donor base station designated by the held attaching configuration information. On the other hand, an invalid state of the attaching configuration information corresponds to the case where the relay station 2 cannot normally attach to the donor base station designated by the held attaching configuration information. Specific examples of the case where the relay station cannot normally attach to the DeNB designated by the attaching configuration information (in other words, the attaching is unsuccessful) include the case where the DeNB designated by the attaching configuration information is not present in the vicinity of the relay station 2, and the case where the attaching to the DeNB designated by the attaching configuration information is rejected. The notification of the validity of the attaching configuration information may include information indicating whether the attaching configuration information is valid or not, or information indicating that the attaching to the DeNB designated by the attaching configuration information is unsuccessful. The notification may also include information capable of determining whether the base station to which the relay station actually attaches corresponds to the donor base station to which the relay station should attach.

A specific example of a procedure for notifying the validity of the attaching configuration information in the second embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. 11A, 11B, and 12.

FIGS. 11A and 11B are sequence diagrams showing an example of the procedure for notifying the validity of the attaching configuration information in the second embodiment. In FIGS. 11A and 11B, “eNB 1” corresponds to a base station that is described in the attaching configuration information, “eNB 2” corresponds to a base station that is not described in the attaching configuration information, “RN” corresponds to the relay station 2, “OAM” corresponds to the OAM server 5, and “MME” corresponds to the core network 4. The RN can detect the eNB 2 by searching. In step S401, the RN judges whether the eNB 1 can be detected or not based on the attaching configuration information. When the eNB 1 has been detected, the operations of steps S402, S102 to S105, and S403 to S404 (Alt1 in FIG. 11A) are carried out. When the eNB 1 has not been detected, the operations of steps S405 and S101 to S106 (Alt2 in FIG. 11B) are carried out.

When the RN has detected the eNB 1 based on the attaching configuration information in step S402, the RN transmits the RRC connection configuration request to the detected eNB, and attaches to the network. Steps S102 to S105 showing the series of operations are similar to those of the first embodiment, so the detailed description thereof is omitted. Upon completion of the attaching to the network, the RN starts the operation of an RN cell (step S403) and starts accepting an attach request from an RN-UE (step S404).

When the RN has not detected the eNB 1 based on the attaching configuration information in step S405, the RN searches for an eNB to which the RN can attach, transmits the RRC connection configuration request to the detected eNB 2, and performs the operation to notify the OAM of the validity of the attaching configuration information. Steps S101 to S106 showing the series of operations are similar to those of the first embodiment, so the detailed description thereof is omitted.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart related to the operation in which the relay station 2 attaches to the network and notifies the OAM of the validity of the attaching configuration information in the second embodiment. In response to the operation to detect the DeNB based on the held attaching configuration information, the relay station 2 starts processing illustrated in the flowchart of FIG. 12. In step S501, the relay station 2 judges whether the DeNB can be detected or not based on the held attaching configuration information. When the DeNB has been detected based on the attaching configuration information (Yes in step S501), the relay station 2 configures the RRC connection to the detected DeNB, and attaches to the network. After transmission of the RRC connection request (step S202), it is determined whether the response to the RRC connection request is a negative response or not (step S503). When the response to the RRC connection request is a negative response (Yes in step S503), the process proceeds to step S502 which is described later. When the response to the RRC connection request is a positive response (No in step S503), it is determined whether the attaching to the network has been completed or not (step S203).

When the RN has not completed the attaching to the network (No in step S203), the process returns to step S503 again to determine the response to the RRC connection request. After the attaching to the network (Yes in step S203), the relay station 2 starts the operation of the RN cell (step S504). When the DeNB has not been detected based on the attaching configuration information (No in step S501) or when a negative response has been received (Yes in step S503), the relay station 2 starts detection of another eNB which is different from the eNB designated in the attaching configuration information (step S502). After that, the relay station 2 judges the detection result, configures the RRC connection to the detected eNB, and notifies the OAM server of the validity information of the attaching configuration information after the attaching to the network. Steps S201 to S204 showing these series of operations are similar to those of the first embodiment, so the detailed description thereof is omitted.

A flowchart related to the operation in which the OAM server 5 receives the notification of the validity of the attaching configuration information in this embodiment is similar to that of the first embodiment, so the detailed description is omitted. Further, the operations of the base station 1 and the mobile station 3 are similar to typical operations, as with the first embodiment, so the description thereof is omitted.

As described above, when the relay station 2 according to this embodiment cannot find the base station to which the relay station should attach based on the attaching configuration information, the relay station 2 attaches to the network via another base station which is different from the base station designated by the attaching configuration information, and notifies the OAM server 5 of the validity of the attaching configuration information. Accordingly, even when the DeNB setting is erroneously made in the attaching configuration information preliminarily set to the relay station 2, the OAM server 5 can find the error without the need for the operator to directly go to the installed location of the relay station 2. This allows a communication network operator to judge whether the contents of the attaching configuration information are appropriate or not and to easily perform the setting of the attaching configuration information, such as a correction of a mismatch in the attaching configuration information or a change into correct contents.

Third Embodiment

In a third embodiment, when the relay station 2 does not hold the attaching configuration information, the relay station 2 temporarily attaches to a base station which is detected by searching and to which the relay station can attach. Then, the relay station 2 notifies the OAM server 5 of information indicating that the attaching configuration information is not held, or of a request for the attaching configuration information, and acquires the attaching configuration information from the OAM server 5. Further, the relay station 2 re-attaches to the DeNB based on the newly obtained attaching configuration information.

A specific example of a procedure for notifying the state (i.e., availability) of the attaching configuration information in the third embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. 13 to 15.

FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a procedure for notifying the availability of the attaching configuration information in the third embodiment. In FIG. 13, “eNB 1” corresponds to a base station which is detected by searching and to which the relay station can attach, “eNB 2” corresponds to a base station described in the updated attaching configuration information, “RN” corresponds to the relay station 2, “OAM” corresponds to the OAM server 5, and “MME” corresponds to the core network 4.

In FIG. 13, steps S101 to S106 are similar to those of the first embodiment, so only the differences will be described. After receiving the notification as to the availability of the attaching configuration information from the RN, the OAM determines the attaching configuration information to be set to the RN (step S601), and sends it to the RN (step S602). The RN re-attaches to the network based on the attaching configuration information. The series of operations are similar to steps S102 to S105 of the first embodiment, so the description thereof is omitted.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart related to the operation in which the relay station 2 that does not hold the available attaching configuration information attaches to the network, notifies the OAM server 5 of the availability of the attaching configuration information, and acquires the attaching configuration information in the third embodiment. Steps S201 to S204 are similar to those of the first embodiment, so only the differences will be described. In step S204, after notifying the OAM server 5 of the availability of the attaching configuration information, the relay station 2 shifts to step S701 to determine the reception of the attaching configuration information. Examples of the notification of the availability of the attaching configuration information may include a notification indicating that the available attaching configuration information is not held, a notification of information on the base station temporarily connected, and a notification for requesting new attaching configuration information.

When the attaching configuration information is received from the OAM server 5 in step S701 (Yes in step S701), the relay station 2 configures the RRC connection to the new DeNB based on the newly obtained attaching configuration information, and performs the operation of attaching to the network. The series of operation steps S202 to S203 are similar to those of the first embodiment, so the detailed description thereof is omitted. After the attaching to the network, the relay station 2 starts the operation of the RN cell (step S702), and terminates the operation. When the attaching configuration information is not received from the OAM server 5 (No in step S701), the relay station 2 terminates the operation.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart related to the operation in which the OAM server 5 receives the notification of the availability of the attaching configuration information and sends the attaching configuration information to the RN in the third embodiment. Step S301 is similar to that of the first embodiment, so only the differences will be described. When the notification as to the availability of the attaching configuration information is received from the relay station 2 (Yes in step S301), the OAM server 5 determines the attaching configuration information to be set to the relay station 2, sends it to the relay station 2 (step S801), and terminates the operation.

The operations of the base station 1 and the mobile station 3 are similar to typical operations, as with the first embodiment, so the description thereof is omitted.

As described above, the relay station 2 according to this embodiment acquires the updated attaching configuration information from the OAM server after the establishment of the attaching to the network via the base station. Then, the base station 2 re-attaches to the base station based on the updated attaching configuration information. Accordingly, there is no need to preliminarily set the attaching configuration information to the relay station 2. This makes it possible to easily set the attaching configuration information to the relay station 2 and to reduce the man-hour required for an installer. As a result, the communication network operator can expect a reduction in installation operation cost.

Fourth Embodiment

In a fourth embodiment, when the relay station 2 cannot attach to the DeNB based on attaching configuration information, the relay station 2 temporarily attaches to another eNB and acquires the updated attaching configuration information from the OAM server 5. Then, the relay station 2 re-attaches to the DeNB based on the updated attaching configuration information.

A specific example of a procedure for notifying the validity of the attaching configuration information in the fourth embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. 16A, 16B, and 17. FIGS. 16A and 16B are sequence diagrams showing an example of a procedure for notifying the validity of the attaching configuration information in the fourth embodiment. In FIGS. 16 A and 16B, “eNB 1” corresponds to a base station described in the attaching configuration information before updating; “eNB 2” corresponds to a base station which is not described in the attaching configuration information and is detected by searching and to which the relay station can attach; “eNB 3” corresponds to a base station described in the updated attaching configuration information; “RN” corresponds to the relay station 2; “OAM” corresponds to the OAM server 5; and “MME” corresponds to the core network 4. The RN can detect the eNB 2 by searching.

Steps S101 to S106, S401 to S405, and S601 to S602 are similar to those of the first, second, or third embodiment, so only the differences will be described. The RN receives the attaching configuration information in step S901 of FIG. 16B, configures the RRC connection to the eNB 3 based on the received attaching configuration information, and re-attaches to the network.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart related to the operation in which when the relay station 2 cannot attach to the DeNB based on the attaching configuration information, the relay station 2 attaches to another eNB which is different from the eNB described in the attaching configuration information, and the OAM server 5 updates the attaching configuration information in the fourth embodiment. The relay station 2 starts processing illustrated in the flowchart of FIG. 17 in response to the operation of detecting the DeNB based on the held attaching configuration information. Steps S201 to S204 and S501 to S504 are similar to those of the first embodiment or the second embodiment, so only the differences will be described.

In step S204, the relay station 2 notifies the OAM server 5 of the validity of the attaching configuration information, and shifts to step S1001 to judge whether the updated attaching configuration information is received or not. When the updated attaching configuration information is received (Yes in step S1001), the relay station 2 configures the RRC connection to the DeNB based on the attaching configuration information (step S202). After the attaching to the network, the relay station 2 starts the operation of the RN cell (step S1002), and terminates the operation. On the other hand, when the updated attaching configuration information is not received (No in step S1001), the relay station 2 returns to step S1001 to judge whether the updated attaching configuration information is received or not.

A flowchart related to the operation in which the OAM server 5 receives the notification as to the validity of the attaching configuration information is similar to that of the third embodiment, so the detailed description thereof is omitted. The operations of the base station 1 and the mobile station 3 are similar to typical operations, as with the first embodiment, so the description is omitted.

As described above, the relay station 2 according to this embodiment searches for a base station to which the relay station can attach, based on the preliminarily set attaching configuration information. When the base station cannot be detected, the relay station attaches to the network via another base station, and acquires the updated attaching configuration information from the OAM server. The relay station 2 according to this embodiment performs the attaching operation again based on the updated attaching configuration information, and attaches to the base station described in the attaching configuration information. Accordingly, even when the setting of the base station is erroneously made in the preliminarily set attaching configuration information, the man-hour required for the installer to update the attaching configuration information held by the relay station 2 can be reduced and the updating can be facilitated. As a result, the communication network operator can expect a reduction in installation operation cost.

Fifth Embodiment

In a fifth embodiment, when the RN attaches to the DeNB based on the attaching configuration information, the RN notifies the DeNB of an indication indicating the RN mode is supported. When the RN temporarily attaches to the eNB, the RN does not notify the DeNB of the indication indicating that the RN mode is supported.

A specific example of a procedure for notifying the validity of the attaching configuration information in the fifth embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. 18A, 18B, and 19.

FIGS. 18A and 18B are sequence diagrams showing an example of a procedure for notifying the validity of the attaching configuration information in the fifth embodiment. In FIGS. 18A and 18B, “eNB 1” corresponds to a base station described in the attaching configuration information; “eNB 2” corresponds to a base station that is not described in the attaching configuration information; and “RN” corresponds to the relay station 2. The RN can detect the eNB 2 by searching.

Steps S101 to S106 and S401 to S405 are similar to those of the first embodiment or the second embodiment, so only the differences will be described. In step S1101, the RN configures the RRC connection to the detected eNB 1 based on the attaching configuration information. At this time, the message to configure the RRC connection includes the indication indicating that the RN mode is supported. After completion of the process for the RN to attach to the network, the eNB 1 configures a backhaul link (step S1102), and the RN is switched from the UE mode to the RN mode (step S1103) and starts the operation of the RN cell (step S104). In step S1105, the RN configures the RRC connection to the eNB 2 which is different from the eNB 1 designated in the attaching configuration information. At this time, the RN does not include, to the message, the indication indicating that the RN mode is supported.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart related to the operation of notifying the indication indicating that the RN mode is supported, in the process in which the relay station 2 according to the fifth embodiment attaches to the network. Steps S201 to S204 and S501 to S504 are similar to those of the first embodiment or the second embodiment, so only the differences will be described.

In step S1201, the relay station 2 sends a message to configure the RRC connection, which does not include the indication indicating that the RN mode is supported, in order to temporarily connect to an eNB other than the DeNB designated in the attaching configuration information. On the other hand, in step S1202, the relay station 2 sends a message to configure the RRC connection, which includes the indication indicating that the RN mode is supported, to the DeNB designated in the attaching configuration information, and shifts to S1203 to judge whether backhaul link configuration information is received or not, after the completion of the attaching to the network. When the backhaul link configuration information is received (Yes in step S1203), the relay station 2 starts the operation of the RN cell (step S503). When the backhaul link configuration information is not received (No in step S1203), the relay station 2 returns to step S1203 to judge whether the backhaul link configuration information is received or not.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation procedure of the base station 1 according to the fifth embodiment. Referring to FIG. 20, the base station 1 starts processing illustrated in the flowchart in response to the reception of the RRC connection configuration request from the relay station 2.

In step S1301, the base station 1 judges whether the RRC connection configuration request is received or not. When the RRC connection configuration request is received (Yes in step S1301), the base station 1 shifts to step S1302 to judge whether the RRC connection configuration request includes the indication indicating that the RN mode is supported. When the RRC connection configuration request is not received (No in step S1301), the base station 1 returns to step S1301 to judge whether the RRC connection configuration request is received or not. When the RRC connection configuration request received by the base station 1 includes the indication indicating that the RN mode is supported (Yes in step S1302), the base station 1 sets the RRC connection to the relay station 2 (step S1303), notifies the relay station 2 of the backhaul link configuration information (step S1304), and terminates the operation. In step S1302, when the indication indicating that the RN mode is supported is not included in the RRC connection configuration request (No in step S1302), the base station 1 sets the RRC connection to the relay station 2 (step S1305) and terminates the operation.

A flowchart related to the operation in which the OAM server 5 receives the notification as to the validity of the attaching configuration information is similar to that of the first embodiment, so the description thereof is omitted. The operations of the base station 1 and the mobile station 3 are similar to typical operations, as with the first embodiment, so the description thereof is omitted.

This embodiment illustrates an example in which the base station 1 judges whether the switching to the RN mode can be made or not, based on whether the relay station 2 includes the indication indicating that the RN mode is supported. However, the RN may send a different indication when the RN mode is not supported from the indication indicating that the RN mode is supported.

The description of the above-mentioned embodiments is made based on the second embodiment. However, even when the embodiments are based on an embodiment other than the second embodiment, the same effects can be obtained.

As described above, when the relay station 2 according to this embodiment can attach to the base station based on the preliminarily set attaching configuration information, the relay station 2 notifies the base station of the indication indicating that the RN mode is supported. On the other hand, when the relay station 2 cannot attach to the base station based on the attaching configuration information and attaches to another base station, the relay station 2 does not notify the base station of the indication indicating that the RN mode is supported. This enables the base station 1 to set a backhaul link only to the relay station 2 that starts the operation of the RN cell, thereby improving the use efficiency of the radio resource of the backhaul link.

Other Embodiment

In the case of E-UTRAN (LTE), the relay station 2 (hereinafter “relay node”) may use one of the following two cell selection procedures.

(1) Temporal Cell Selection

This procedure requires no attaching configuration information (hereinafter “donor cell information”) in the relay node. The relay node scans all radio channels in the E-UTRA (Evolved-UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access) band by the function of each relay node for searching for an appropriate cell. Each relay node needs to search for only the cell that is strongest in each frequency carrier. When the appropriate cell is found, the cell is selected, the relay node notifies the E-UTRAN (Evolved-UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access Network) that the donor cell information is not held.

(2) Cell Selection Using the Held Donor Cell Information

This procedure requires donor cell information obtained from previously configured donor cell information or previously downloaded donor cell information, and requires, as needed, information on a cell parameter. Once the relay node finds the appropriate cell, the relay node selects the cell. When no appropriate cell is found or when the relay station cannot attach to the selected cell, a temporal cell selection procedure is started.

The first to fifth embodiments of the invention described above have illustrated the case where the present invention is applied to the network that supports the RN of the LTE system. However, the application of the present invention is not limited to the base station that supports the RN of the LTE system. That is, the present invention can be applied to any case, as long as a relay station connected to a base station wirelessly or via a fixed line is provided and data transferred by the base station is terminated at the relay station.

Further, the processing related to the notification as to the state of the attaching configuration information by the relay station 2 described in the above-mentioned first to fifth embodiments of the invention may be implemented by causing a computer, such as a microprocessor, to execute one or more programs. This program can be stored and provided to a computer using any type of non-transitory computer readable media. Non-transitory computer readable media include any type of tangible storage media. Examples of non-transitory computer readable media include magnetic storage media (such as flexible disks, magnetic tapes, hard disk drives, etc.), optical magnetic storage media (e.g. magneto-optical disks), CD-ROM (Read Only Memory), CD-R, CD-R/W, and semiconductor memories (such as mask ROM, PROM (Programmable ROM), EPROM (Erasable PROM), flash ROM, RAM (random access memory), etc.). The program may be provided to a computer using any type of transitory computer readable media. Examples of transitory computer readable media include electric signals, optical signals, and electromagnetic waves. Transitory computer readable media can provide the program to a computer via a wired communication line, such as electric wires and optical fibers, or a wireless communication line.

The first to fifth embodiments of the invention can be arbitrarily combined. Further, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be modified in various manners without departing from the scope of the present invention described above.

This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from Japanese patent application No. 2010-174455, filed on Aug. 3, 2010, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

-   1, 1-1, 1-2 BASE STATION -   2 RELAY STATION -   3 MOBILE STATION -   4 CORE NETWORK -   5 OAM SERVER -   10 BASE STATION CELL (eNB CELL) -   11 RADIO COMMUNICATION UNIT -   12 TRANSMIT DATA PROCESSING UNIT -   13 RECEIVED DATA PROCESSING UNIT -   14 COMMUNICATION UNIT -   15 RELAY NODE CONTROL UNIT -   20 RELAY STATION CELL (RN CELL) -   21 LOWER RADIO LINK COMMUNICATION UNIT -   22 TRANSMIT DATA PROCESSING UNIT -   23 RECEIVED DATA PROCESSING UNIT -   24 UPPER RADIO LINK COMMUNICATION UNIT -   25 ATTACHING CONFIGURATION INFORMATION CONTROL UNIT -   31 RADIO COMMUNICATION UNIT -   32 RECEIVED DATA PROCESSING UNIT -   33 TRANSMIT DATA CONTROL UNIT -   34 TRANSMIT DATA PROCESSING UNIT -   35 BUFFER UNIT -   51 COMMUNICATION UNIT -   52 TRANSMIT DATA PROCESSING UNIT -   53 RECEIVED DATA CONTROL UNIT -   54 ATTACHING CONFIGURATION INFORMATION MANAGEMENT UNIT 

1. A method for a relay node (RN), wherein the method comprising: in a first case where the RN has first information indicating at least a cell of a first donor base station to access from the RN, sending second information related to a first RRC (Radio Resource Control) connection to the first donor base station, wherein the second information includes a first RN indication which makes the first donor base station perform a first relay configuration; and starting an operation of a relay cell with the first donor base station after the first relay configuration is performed by the first donor base station; in a second case where the RN does not have the second information, sending third information related to a second RRC connection to a base station, wherein the third information does not include a second RN indication; receiving, from the base station, a forth information indicating at least a cell of a second donor base station to access from the RN; sending fifth information related to a third RRC connection to the second donor base station wherein the fifth information includes the second RN indication which makes the second donor base station perform a second relay configuration; and starting an operation of the relay cell with the second donor base station after the second relay configuration is performed by the second donor base station.
 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein in a third case where the RN is preconfigured to access the first donor base station but receives a negative response from the first DeNB, the method further comprising: sending the third information to the base station; receiving the fourth information from the base station, sending the fifth information; and starting the operation of the relay cell with the second donor base station after the second relay configuration is performed by the second donor base station.
 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein in the first case, the RN switches from a UE mode to an RN mode in response to the first donor base station performing the first relay configuration.
 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein in the second case, the RN does not have access information of a donor base station and the RN detects the base station to which the RN can attach.
 5. The RN apparatus according to claim 1, wherein in the second case, the RN temporarily attaches to the base station and the RN does not notify the base station that an RN mode is supported.
 6. A relay node (RN) comprising: a memory storing instructions; and at least one hardware processor configured to process the instruction to: in a first case where the RN has first information indicating at least a cell of a first donor base station to access from the RN, send second information related to a first RRC (Radio Resource Control) connection to the first donor base station, wherein the second information includes a first RN indication which makes the first donor base station perform a first relay configuration; and start an operation of a relay cell with the first donor base station after the first relay configuration is performed by the first donor base station; in a second case where the RN does not have the second information, send third information related to a second RRC connection to a base station, wherein the third information does not include a second RN indication; receive, from the base station, a forth information indicating at least a cell of a second donor base station to access from the RN; send fifth information related to a third RRC connection to the second donor base station wherein the fifth information includes the second RN indication which makes the second donor base station perform a second relay configuration; and start an operation of the relay cell with the second donor base station after the second relay configuration is performed by the second donor base station.
 7. A method for a base station comprising: connecting to a first relay node (RN) using a first connection mode in which the first RN operates as a user equipment (UE) when the base station receives, from the first RN, first information related to a first RRC (Radio Resource Control) connection, wherein the first information does not include an RN indication which makes a donor base station perform a relay configuration; connecting to a second RN using a second connection mode in which the second RN operates as a relay when the base station receives, from the second RN, second information related to a second RRC connection, wherein the second information includes the RN indication; and transmitting, to the first RN, third information indicating at least one cell of a donor base station to access from the first RN when the base station receives, from the first RN, the first information.
 8. The method according to claim 7, further comprising: setting up at least one bearer between the second RN and the base station, wherein the at least one bearer is used for relaying when the base station receives, from the second RN, the second information.
 9. The method according to claim 7, further comprising: the second RN selecting the base station from third information indicating the at least one cell of donor base station to access from the second RN.
 10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the third information is preconfigured.
 11. The method according to claim 9, wherein the third information is received from a base station as a first connection mode in which the second RN operates as a UE.
 12. The method according to claim 7, wherein the base station is a donor base station when the base station receives the second information.
 13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the base station is a donor base station included in third information indicating the at least one cell of donor base station to access from the first RN.
 14. The method according to claim 7, further comprising: the base station sending, to the second RN, an RRC signaling for relaying configuration, after the base station receiving the second information from the second RN.
 15. A base station comprising: a memory storing instructions; and at least one hardware processor configured to process the instruction to: perform radio communication with a user equipment (UE), a first relay node (RN), and a second RN; connect to a first RN using a first connection mode in which the first RN operates as a UE when the base station receives, from the first RN, first information related to a first RRC (Radio Resource Control) connection, wherein the first information does not include an RN indication which makes a donor base station perform a relay communication; connect to a second RN using a second connection mode in which the second RN operates as a relay when the base station receives, from the second RN, second information related to a second RRC connection, wherein the second information includes the RN indication; and transmit, to the first RN, third information indicating at least a cell of a donor base station to access from the first RN when the base station receives, from the first RN, the first information. 